Afleveringen
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MEI Senior Fellow Charles Lister joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to discuss the Trump administrationâs dramatic reversal of four decades of US policy toward Syria. Following President Trumpâs May 2025 meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the issuance of a new general license and 180-day waiver of Caesar Act sanctions, the episode explores the implications of this policy shift. What does this mean for Syriaâs recovery and reconstruction? How are regional actors like Turkey, Israel, and the Gulf states responding? And what are the risks and opportunities ahead for US-Syria relations? Lister unpacks the diplomatic, economic, and security dimensions of this major policy development and what it signals for Syriaâs evolving role in the region.
This episode was recorded on May 27, 2025.
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Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj speak with MEI Senior Fellow Mohammed Soliman about President Donald Trumpâs recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, which yielded a wave of major US-Gulf tech and AI deals. Soliman explains how these partnerships mark a shift in the relationshipâfrom oil and arms to compute power and data infrastructureâand what it means for the Gulfâs strategic role in the global AI ecosystem. The discussion explores the energy bottlenecks behind AI development, evolving US export control policy, and the social and geopolitical implications of the Gulfâs ambitions to become a digital hub for emerging markets.
Recorded May 19, 2025.
More analysis from Mohammed Soliman:
Realigning US-Saudi relations for the AI era
Sheikh Tahnoon in Washington: UAE-US relations reimagined for the 21st century with technology at the core
JD Vance Unveils Americaâs AI Doctrine (The National Interest)
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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The sudden announcement of a US-Houthi ceasefire, brokered by Oman, has halted Washingtonâs air campaign in Yemen and raised urgent questions about the future of Red Sea security. What prompted the deal, and what are its implications for maritime shipping, regional alliances, and the trajectory of Yemenâs civil war? This episode explores the strategic motivations behind the ceasefire, the role of Iran and Saudi Arabia, and how the Houthis could leverage the pause to regroup and expand their influence across the Horn of Africa.
Joining the program is Nadwa Al-Dawsari, associate fellow with the Middle East Institute, the Irregular Warfare Initiative, and the Center on Armed Groups. She speaks with MEIâs Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj. Recorded May 12, 2025 -
President Donald Trump is heading to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE on his first foreign trip of his second term, with major investment deals, defense cooperation, and tech diplomacy on the agenda. What are the Gulf states hoping to gain, and what does the trip signal about US policy in the region? Alistair Taylor speaks with Dr. Ibrahim al-Assil, Senior Fellow at MEI, about the goals of the visit, the geopolitical and economic dynamics at play, and how regional powers are navigating a complex landscape shaped by Iran, China, AI ambitions, and the crisis in Gaza.
Recorded May 6, 2025
Further Analysis:
Video: "First Stop, Riyadh: Why Trump's Saudi Visit Will Be Nothing Like the Last" with F. Gregory Gause, III
Article: "Realigning US-Saudi relations for the AI era" by Mohammed Soliman
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The arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Ä°mamoÄlu has sparked the largest wave of public protests in Turkey in over a decade, signaling a potential turning point in the countryâs political trajectory. As the opposition rallies support and President ErdoÄan intensifies his crackdown, what lies ahead for Turkish democracy, the Kurdish peace process, and the broader political landscape? MEI Senior Fellow Gonul Tol joins host Alistair Taylor to unpack the growing unrest, the strategic stakes for ErdoÄanâs ruling coalition, and the mobilization of a new generation of political activists.
Recorded April 29, 2025.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out MEI's podcast series, Rethinking Democracy with Gonul Tol (now available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts), and especially Episode 7, "The Protests and Political Crisis Shaping Turkey's Democratic Future." Further reading: "Turkey Is Now a Full-Blown Autocracy," by Gonul Tol for Foreign Affairs (March 21, 2025) -
Following seven years of diplomatic deadlock, Washington and Tehran have resumed nuclear negotiations â and for the first time in years, there are signs of real momentum.
Alex Vatanka, MEI Senior Fellow and author of The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to analyze the current round of talks, the technical issues under discussion, and the political stakes on both sides. He explores Iranâs economic and domestic pressures, US red lines, and the role of key players like Israel, China, and Oman in shaping the negotiations.
The conversation also assesses whatâs changed since the 2015 nuclear deal, and what it would take for this fragile opening to lead to something more lasting.
Recorded on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
For more context, read Alex Vatanka and Ross Harrisonâs recent article, "Thinking the unthinkable: Improved US-Iran relations under Trump?"
Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
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In this episode of Taking the Edge off the Middle East, Brian Katulis sits down with Toni Verstandig, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and current board member at the Middle East Institute. Three months into the second Trump administration, they assess how the White House is reshaping US policy in the Middle Eastâwhatâs changed, whatâs stayed the same, and what risks lie ahead. Verstandig reflects on lessons from her years working on the Israeli-Palestinian peace process during the Clinton era, offering both poignant stories and policy insights from a time when diplomacy looked very different. They also discuss how think tanks like MEI are stepping up at a moment when institutions like USIP and the Wilson Center are under fire.
Donât forget to look out for new episodes of Taking the Edge off the Middle East on its own independent channel every other Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts.
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As Sudanâs civil war enters its third year, the humanitarian catastrophe continues to spiral, with more than 12.7 million people displaced and little hope of resolution in sight.
Jehanne Henry, MEI Associate Fellow and former Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, joins hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj to assess the latest developments on the ground. She outlines the scale of devastation, the regional spillover effects, and the war economy fueling the fighting.
Their conversation explores the fragmentation of civilian political forces, the lack of international coordination, and the role that external powers â including the United States â could play in helping bring the conflict to an end. What will it take to chart a path toward peace?
Recorded on Monday, April 15, 2025
Read Jehanne's accompanying article:
Two years into Sudanâs war, a resolution seems further than ever â can U.S. involvement help bring peace?Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
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(This episode was recorded on Monday, April 7).
In this episode of Middle East Focus, hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by Eran Etzion, former deputy head of the Israeli National Security Council, for a revealing look inside Israel's most pressing challenges.
Etzion unpacks Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tightening grip on power amid legal battles and democratic concerns, while offering insights into Israeli society's deepening divides. Their conversation moves beyond the headlines to explore how renewed fighting in Gaza and military operations in the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria are changing Israel's strategic position in the region. They also explore Israel's evolving relationships with regional countries like Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and what these changes mean for the future of the Middle East.
Look out for new episodes of Middle East Focus every Thursday, wherever you get your podcasts.
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In this episode of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East,' Brian Katulis sits down with Frank Lowenstein, a key advisor to Secretary John Kerry during the Obama administration. Lowenstein takes us behind the curtain of the Obama administration's intense peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, from narrowly escaping a snowstorm in Ramallah to advising Secretary Kerry during critical moments. They discuss the Biden and Trump approaches to the region and explore how Middle East policy debates have evolved in American politics over three decades.
Donât forget to look out for new episodes of 'Taking the Edge off the Middle East' every other Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts.
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We're excited to relaunch Middle East Focus with an insightful conversation featuring MEI's new CEO, Amb. Stuart Jones. In this episode, hosted by MEI's Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj, Ambassador Jones shares his perspectives on the second Trump administration's foreign policy approach, the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape in the region, and Iraq's place in the developing order. Drawing from his extensive experience in both diplomacy and the private sector, he also explores emerging US-Middle East business partnerships and cooperation in AI and technology. Tune in to this discussion and be sure to join us every Thursday for new episodes of Middle East Focus.
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Turkey has plunged into turmoil after authorities arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Ä°mamoÄlu, President ErdoÄan's strongest opponent, on charges of corruption. Mass protests, the largest in over a decade, have erupted nationwide after Ä°mamoÄlu was removed from office and jailed just hours before the opposition was set to declare him its presidential candidate.
Political scientists warn this is a defining moment for the future of democracy in the country. Is it indeed a turning point? How did we get here and where do we go next?
In this episode of Rethinking Democracy, experts break down Turkey's latest turmoil and what it means for the country's democratic future and democracy worldwide.
Dr. Karabekir Akkoyunlu, research associate at the Department of Politics and International Studies at SOAS University of London, and Dr. Senem Aydın DĂŒzgit, professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Sabancı University in Istanbul, join host GönĂŒl Tol to explore the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Turkey.
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Note: We're excited to announce that 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' is moving to its own channel! Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts to continue following the show.
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Middle East Focus Presents: âTaking the Edge Off the Middle Eastâ with Brian Katulis
A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today â hosted by MEIâs Senior Fellow Brian Katulis.
In this episode, Brian is joined by former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who recently served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. They discuss the Trump administrationâs early approach to the region in its second term, including its handling of Iran, Gaza, and regional normalization efforts. Drawing on his decades of experience across the NSC, State Department, and Pentagon, Dan shares his candid assessments of whatâs working, whatâs not, and whatâs still unsettled. He also reflects on his own career path and what young people interested in U.S. foreign policy can learn from decades of peacemaking efforts.
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Middle East Focus Presents: âTaking the Edge Off the Middle East,' a series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEIâs Senior Fellow Brian Katulis.
Ibrahim Dalalsha, founder and director of Horizon Center for Political Studies and Media Outreach, and Shira Efron, research director at the Israel Policy Forum, join host Brian Katulis to discuss policy developments in the devastating war between Israel and Hamas, and how Israelis and Palestinians can work together toward a peaceful resolution of conflict.
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Renowned poet, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander joins guest host Lyne Sneige to discuss the power of storytelling and the intersection of art and social change. Looking back on his recent experience speaking at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair in Saudi Arabia, Alexander shares his reflections on the Kingdom's literary scene, the growing appetite for global narratives, and how books and poetry can serve as bridges between cultures.
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Middle East Focus Presents: âTaking the Edge Off the Middle Eastâ with Brian Katulis.
A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEIâs Senior Fellow Brian Katulis.
Barbara A. Leaf is a seasoned diplomat and expert on the Middle East, having served as the US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and held key positions in US embassies across the region. In this episode, Barbara joins Brian to discuss the array of âblack swanâ events currently unfolding in the Middle East, and how the second Trump administration may respond to these challenges. They discuss the broader implications of these developments for US foreign policy, national security, and regional stability. -
For the first time in decades, the question of how Syria will be governed is wide open. The fall of Bashar al-Assadâs regime at the hands of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an armed Islamist group with former ties to al-Qaeda, has left Syria in uncharted territory. Its de facto leader, Ahmed Al Shaara, has pledged a vision of a pluralistic Syria governed by civil institutions rather than dictatorship or ideology.
But can Syriaâs new rulers deliver on that promise? Will this moment mark the beginning of an inclusive, secular democracy, or will Islamist rule take hold? And can Syriaâs fractured societyâdivided by years of war and sectarian tensionsâunite around a new national identity?
Dr. Olivier Roy, Professor of Political Science at the European University Institute, and Ziad Majed, Professor of International Relations at the American University of Paris, join host Gonul Tol to explore the challenges and possibilities that lie ahead for Syria.
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Middle East Focus Presents: âTaking the Edge Off the Middle Eastâ with Brian Katulis.
A series of casual conversations with leading policy professionals on the most important happenings in the Middle East today - hosted by MEIâs Senior Fellow for US Foreign Policy, Brian Katulis.
Norman T. Roule is a member of MEI's Iran Program Advisory Council. Roule served for 34-years in the Central Intelligence Agency, where his service included roles as Division Chief and Chief of Station at the CIAâs Directorate of Operations. He joins Brian to discuss the state of an ideologically contested Middle East, as well as the opportunities and challenges following the fall of the Assad regime. -
The war in Gaza continues as the Biden administration nears its end, leaving President-elect Donald Trump with a vastly different Middle East from the one he inherited in his first term. Khaled Elgindy, Director of the Palestine & Palestinian-Israeli Affairs program at MEI, is joined by Tamara Kharroub and Daniel Levy to discuss Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, the fragile cease-fire talks, and the potential shifts in US policy with Donald Trump's return to the White House. What does this mean for Palestinians and Israelis, and how might the Trump administration reshape the future of the region?
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Following more than a year of turmoil and transformative changes reshaping the Middle East, the region witnessed another shock with the downfall of the Assad familyâs 54-year rule over Syria last weekend. The rapid collapse was triggered by a lightning rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former affiliate of al-Qaeda.
This on-the-record briefing featured Amb. (ret.) Ryan Crocker, career diplomat with the US Foreign Service. His previous appointments included US Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Lebanon; as well as Charles Lister, Senior Fellow and Director of MEIâs Syria and Countering Terrorism & Extremism programs.
Our experts discussed what the fall of Bashar al-Assad means for Syria and the region, the international communityâs assessment of the Syrian conflict, what this development portends for Iranâs âAxis of Resistanceâ in the Levant, the influence of regional powers in Syria, and the future of US policy toward the region.
This is a special presentation of the latest installment of our Virtual Briefing Series. This episode was recorded on December 10, 2024. - Laat meer zien
